UK Secures £6.5 Billion Complex Weapons Deal with MBDA
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a significant £6.5 billion investment in advanced complex weapons through a new agreement with MBDA. This deal aims to enhance the rapid delivery of sophisticated missile systems to the UK Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
The 10-year Portfolio Management Agreement 2 (PMA2) extends a strategic partnership between the MOD and MBDA that began in 2010. This collaboration, secured by the Complex Weapons Team at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), has already yielded substantial savings and improved the UK’s response capabilities during conflicts.
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The PMA2 is expected to deliver new systems such as the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon, Land Precision Strike, and continue the evolution of the Meteor missile system. It will enable ‘always-on’ manufacturing, maintaining industry readiness to respond to defense demands. The deal includes a £500 million investment in British manufacturing and technologies.
This agreement is set to sustain over 5,500 jobs at MBDA UK sites in Bolton, Stevenage, and Bristol, along with thousands more in the supply chain. It represents a significant boost to the UK’s defense industry and economy.
The newly appointed Defence Secretary, John Healey, emphasized the importance of continuity in national security efforts, highlighting the need to take politics out of national security decisions.
MBDA has been crucial in producing various complex weapons systems for the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. These include the Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Meteor, and several other missile systems. The company is also involved in future projects like the SPEAR Cap 3 for the F-35B Lightning II.
The renewed partnership is seen as a way to deliver battle-winning equipment to the Armed Forces while securing UK jobs and providing savings to taxpayers. It demonstrates the value of long-term strategic collaboration with industry partners.
The PMA2 agreement incorporates a decade of learning, aiming to enhance performance through improved commercial agreements, accelerated procurement processes, and continuous manufacturing readiness. It represents a significant step in ensuring the UK’s future defense capabilities and strategic influence.
This £6.5 billion deal between the UK MOD and MBDA marks a significant investment in the country’s defense capabilities, supporting both national security and the domestic defense industry. It underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced military force.
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